Sustainable Wooden House in Sicily

A project that focuses on sustainability and constant dialogue between structure and nature, designed by architect Alessio Lo Bello for the construction of a small and modern rural house along the northern coast of Sicily, between Palermo and Cefalù.

The natural context and the client's sensitivity to green themes led to the choice of wood as the main material for the entire project, adopting it both as a building material and as a finishing material.

In fact, the structure of the house is made of Xlam, a solid multilayer wood material that, together with the panels in high-density wood fiber, allows the optimal thermal insulation of the house and, as a result, a drastic reduction in consumption and a significant saving on utility costs.

The attention to the lowest possible environmental impact and the reduction to a minimum of soil consumption does not, however, neglect the considerable attention paid to a minimalist and intriguing design, found in every functional area inside or outside.

To enhance the house is also the beautiful landscape in which it is located, among olive trees, waterways and a beautiful view of the horizon of the sea and the city of Termini Imerese.

Let's go deeper into this masterful work of organic architecture that combines great technique to an avant-garde aesthetic.

1. A sustainable structure for maximum living comfort

Wooden house

A simple, compact and eco-friendly volume, perfectly integrated in the iconic Mediterranean nature, represents the ideal contour for maximum living comfort. And this is precisely the intent that has moved each design choice for the realization of the house, from the definition of the shape to the arrangement of the rooms to the adoption of the finishes.

To guarantee high energy performance with a perspective of eco-sustainability, the project opted for a load-bearing structure in Xlam, a multilayer wood construction material with great thermal insulation and anti-seismic properties.

This allows, among other things, to perfectly insulate the interior from the outside, optimizing the summer and winter air conditioning systems. The outer shell was then completed with a ventilated wall made of larch boards, as it is visually similar to the surrounding vegetation.

The considerable attention paid to eco-compatibility and health is also reflected in the domestic environment, which prefers materials free of formaldehyde or toxic substances otherwise harmful to health.

2. Dialogue between inside and outside

There is a constant dialogue between the interior of the house and the external space, exploited in particular through a large walkable area on the south side, protected by a shading sheet to relax in the open air.

To underline the importance of this dialogue between the interior space and the surrounding environment, there are also the large full-height glazed openings that allow to flood the domestic spaces with natural light and open the house to the view of the surrounding area.

In this way House G|C is a real refuge from the frenzy of the city, where one can regain possession of the relationship between man and nature and cultivate psychophysical well-being.

3. A living room immersed in nature

WOODEN HOUSE G|C – SICILY

Before exploring the indoor world in depth, let's take a moment to look at the finely furnished outdoor spaces, created by extending the flooring of the living room, on both the north and south sides: the latter is protected by a shading sheet stretched over an iron structure that guarantees optimal protection from the sun and an environment equipped for relaxation in the open air.

There is also an outdoor kitchen with barbecue and wood oven to implement the occasions of use and create an environment to live at 360 °.

5. The living room

WOODEN HOUSE G|C – SICILY

Upon entering, you are welcomed into the main room of the house, the living area, designed in continuity with the outdoor spaces and articulated according to the orderly succession of living, dining room and kitchen, a linear structure directly embedded in one of the back walls.

The conversation area, with a comfortable and spacious sofa in the centre, is a breath of fresh air. Wood, a continuous finishing material on floors, walls and furnishings, and the fireplace set in the frontal bookcase heat up the floor area. The spatial division is defined by the same equipped wall, whose volume also houses the bathroom and a laundry corner.

5.1 Kitchen and dining room

WOODEN HOUSE G|C – SICILY

On the opposite side stands the kitchen, recessed in one of the back walls and rigorously dressed in light wood that characterizes the entire interior design. Its linear layout contributes to the maintenance of a visual perception marked by formal purity, while the large wardrobes contain capacious compartments for a perfect optimization of space.

Finally, the dining area creates a bridge between the two functional areas, providing a solid wood table ideal for up to ten guests.

6. The sleeping area

WOODEN HOUSE G|C – SICILY

The sleeping area embraces two bedrooms, accessible through their respective doors, deliberately hidden by the volume of the library. Both have a minimal and refined interior that leaves the protagonism to the view of the external olive grove.

Thanks to the large sliding windows, in fact, the landscape seems to enter the room as a true decorative element, framed by the clear profiles of the window.

7. A look at the project

Xlam wooden house plan

Looking at the plan it is possible to notice the great symmetry of the project: each area of the house appears extremely balanced and in excellent mutual connection. The central body, dedicated to the living area, extends outwards, on both sides, thus creating a pleasant outdoor living area, to be used according to the occasions and times of the day, while also allowing multiple inhabitants of the house to use it at the same time.

8. An oasis of sustainability and efficiency

Xlam wooden house perspective drawing

Conceived in this way, House G|C is an interesting example of an eco-sustainable and efficient home, dedicated to the wellbeing of those who live in it and of nature, with whom it is in constant dialogue and of which it seems to be an extension.